Mary Kay Harty, 71, of Fort Worth, Texas passed away February 15, 2026, after several years of increasing health challenges which finally became more than her body could withstand. 

Born April 12, 1954, she was the youngest of five children of R. K. "Kim" Harty and Mary Jeannette "Jenny" Bennett Harty of Lubbock, Texas. 

Mary grew up on a small farm in the Roosevelt community, where she attended the Roosevelt School, was an excellent student, and developed her lifelong fondness for animals and love of horses and horseback riding.

After high school graduation, she attained bachelor's and master's degrees in classical languages and park administration respectively from Texas Tech University.

Mary spent time working for the Forest Service, then entered law school and received her J.D. degree from Texas Tech in 1985. She had a varied legal career which included work in Houston, Taos, New Mexico, and West Texas before landing in Fort Worth for the final decades of her life.

Increasing health problems dictated her retirement in 2022, but she continued until the end of her life to maintain friendships and family relationships and to care for her cherished pets.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Kim and Jenny Harty; and by three of her brothers, Patrick, William, and Peter.

She is survived by her brother, Michael Harty (Jean Richards) of Prairie Village, Kansas; by her dear sisters-in-law, Betsy Harty of Cleburne, Texas and Kay Harty of Tallahassee, Florida; six cousins and eight nieces and nephews; her dear friend, Mary Bender; and by her beloved dog, Daisy.

The family wishes to express particular gratitude to Ms. Bender for her help and support, as well as to the devoted caretakers at Brookdale Senior Living in Fort Worth, where Mary spent many of her final months.

Private services are planned.